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State of the Owl: June 2016

When I created Screaming Owl 3.5 years ago, the most I had hoped for was a little side gig that would help me earn some extra money so that I could stay at home with my kids. What has unfolded since then has been beyond my wildest dreams. Because of loyal customers like you, we have grown into one of the most popular family owned children's boutiques on the Internet. Millions of fans and hundreds of thousands of repeat customers who continue to share us with their family and friends. For your support, we are forever grateful.

We know that our customers are the backbone of our business, so along the way we've listened to your feedback and implemented changes to help us serve you better. Over the years, we have upgraded our website, changed our fulfillment software, moved to a larger warehouse to accommodate more product, hired more staff to reduce our shipping time, and introduced our help desk for customer service inquiries. This year is no different and we have some exciting changes coming your way that will continue to enhance your shopping experience. I'd like to take a moment to share those with you so that you can see how committed we are to making sure your voice is being heard.

1. More Accurate Sizing & Labeling

Beginning next month, we will be introducing a new sizing guide. These sizes will be used by all of our manufacturers to make sure that our items are consistent and true to size. All products will no longer be labeled in letter sizes. They will be labeled in numerical sizes to be the same as what you order online to minimize confusion.

2. Larger Sizes

We know our customer's kids are growing, so we want to grow with you. When our new sizing guidelines are introduced, you will find that we will now be included "tween" sizes.

3. Better Quality

We have had face to face meetings with our manufacturers to develop quality standards. Between stitching, printing, and fabric selection, we are aiming to increase quality across the board so that you can be proud of the product you receive.

4. Customer Service Response Time

We have increased our customer service team by 25% so that we can respond to your inquiries faster, typically the same business day. We will continue to use our Help Desk as we've found it's the most accurate and efficient form of communication between parties.

5. Opportunities For Exchanges

We have begun to order an excess of product to accommodate requests for sizing changes. We know online shopping can be hard and we don't want you to feel "stuck" with your purchase should it not fit. As long as we have extras in stock of the size that you need, we'll be happy to process an exchange. Simply open a help ticket for instructions.

6. More In Stock Items

As a result of ordering extra items, we will be in a position where we are left with excess product. We will be offering these items every week in our "Flash Sale Friday" promotion. Each Friday, we will list in stock and ready to ship items that will process in 2-3 business days.

7. Exclusive Designs

We know there are many competitors out there who offer many items that we do. We are not your average boutique and we don't want our items to be average either. We have recently begun designing our own products that we are very proud of. You can enjoy knowing you're little lady will be wearing items that not many other people have. You know she's one in a million, now her outfit will be too!

8. More Items For Boys

We get this request all of the time! As a mom of 2 boys, I completely understand. While we are predominantly a boutique for girls, we will be adding more options for boys, especially sibling sets and holiday items.

9. New Women's Brand

Our unique methods that bring you extreme savings are now not just for your little girls. We have been in development of a women's brand that will mirror Screaming Owl, allowing you to spoil yourself without breaking the bank. We expect to launch in Summer 2016, so stay tuned!

We're very excited about all of the new happenings over the next few weeks and hope you are too. That said, we know that there are other aspects of our business that you'd like to see changed, but because of who we are, some changes are simply not possible. It doesn't mean we're not listening, it just means to keep our prices as low as possible, some things needs to stay the same.

1. Shipping Times

Our number one request from customers is to reduce our shipping times. Believe you me, there's nothing I'd like more, but it's just not possible as it's not the type of company we are. The heart of our business lies in our preorder model. Teaming up with one another to gain group sales and placing bulk orders is how we're able to offer our prices as low as they are. We do not carry inventory, these items have to be made to order just for you, and realistically, that just takes time. We've cut it down just as much as we possibly can. We realize it's difficult to wait and for some people, it's not worth it. But for those with patience and who note our shipping times for sizing, we can guarantee you that you will be rewarded with some of the lowest prices out there on these types of items.

2. One Item Per Order

Another huge way we reduce our costs is by processing our items for shipment in batches by like type. That means instead of looking at a printout of who ordered what and processing each order individually, we instead look at a printout of what item type sold and process those orders together. Without this method, our staffing needs would increase dramatically, and those costs would have to be added into our products. Shipping items out individually means that you can enjoy rock bottom pricing.

3. No Frills Packaging

Another cost saver is keeping our packaging as cost effective as possible. We do not have fancy packaging and our items arrive to you in a simple poly bag. If you order from places that spice this up, you're certainly paying for it somewhere along the line. We know it's fun to receive pretty packages, but again, we want our prices to stay as low as possible for you.

4. Help Desk For Customer Service

Many times, we're asked why we do not have a phone number for customer service. We are certainly not offering phone support to be difficult. We're riding the wave of online shopping and using our Help Desk to efficiently take care of our customers in a manner in which phone support simply does not do. Many online businesses these days are moving towards online only support for many reasons. First off, it's convenient. You can contact us any time, 24/7. You don't have to wait for a call center to open. Secondly, it eliminates confusion. When things are in writing, it eliminates any "he said/she said" scenarios. Every piece of communication is right there for all parties to view at any time. Third, it allows multiple team members to assist a customer. If assistance is needed from a different department, a help ticket can easily be accessed by anyone on our team quickly. Next, it's trackable. Every aspect of our system, from ticket submission to comment updates is date and time stamped. All tickets are available to be accessed at any time on our website. Finally, it's affordable. Opening a call center means more money. That would inevitably result in increased pricing. Again, we want to keep our prices at rock bottom for you.

If you've taken the time to read all of this, I want to say a HUGE thanks because I know it was a lot to take in. Our commitment to our customers is our top priority it's exciting to share our growth with you, especially when it's based on your feedback. Please remember we always accept feedback, so if you have an opinion to share or if you would simply like to send us a photo of your little one rocking one of our items, we'd love to hear from you. Simply click on contact at the top of any page on our website to get in touch!

From our family to yours, thank you for your continued support of Screaming Owl.

Much love,

Morgan-Founder

Comments

Katie Davis on June 17 2016 at 02:53PM

I am so glad that you are now going to introduce plus size clothing for little girls. I am thrilled that I will soon be able to buy outfits from Screaming Owl now for both girls and not just one. Can hardly wait.

Brooke Tinnermon on June 17 2016 at 09:25AM

I love this website so much for my triplets and I. I wish y’all had more boy stuff though but I can’t wait for the new changes!!!

sheryl Banks on June 16 2016 at 07:26PM

I LOVE THIS PRODUCTS I ORDER ITEMS FOR MY GRANDBABIES, LOL I HAVE PLENTY. EVERYTHING IS SO NICE.

Linda Hicks on June 16 2016 at 06:50PM

Love love your products. They are really really cute and made with quality material. Always looking forward for the next new products. Keep up the good work!!!!

Heather Miller on June 16 2016 at 04:17PM

I’ve only made four purchases here, but I’ve never had an issue with anything. The first purchase I made was for the Turky Tutu onesie for my daughter’s birthday. My daughter has always been smaller for her size so I initially ordered the 12-18 months onesie, but after I purchased it I soon realized that maybe I should have just ordered the 2T or 24 months (I can’t remember) and when I contacted customer service to make the change it was as simple as that – the change was made. No hassle, nothing. I was initially concerned with making a purchase because I saw a lot of negative comments on FB (before I deactivated my account) but I went ahead with the purchase and was pleased. I don’t know why some people have such a hard time, but I don’t find anything complicated or inconvenient. My first order arrived JUST IN TIME for Thanksgiving, which I was worried it wouldn’t have arrived in time, but it did!

I sent my mom the link to order the Mermaid Kisses & Starfish Wishes outfit which arrived in time for my daughterto wear while we visit my parents in Florida. All of these outfits are so cute and I wish I could buy all the ones I like. The only thing I don’t like is the ruffle shorts and pants. That’s what attracted me to the mermaid kisses shirt because it wasn’t ruffle shorts. It may just be my personal taste, and I understand it’s part of the unique design for Screaming Owl. I also just ordered the mermaid outfit and swimsuit set; I ordered it in a 4T (my daughter is 2 1/2) so she can wear it (big) next summer AND the summer after. Since kids do grow so fast I want to buy big so it lasts longer.

Lastly, I am not a member of Facebook anymore so I don’t get the extra 10% discount. I could complain and say that “loyal” customers should get to take advantage of the extra discount especially if they don’t have a Facebook account to share the deals and their company. However, the prices are already so low that I don’t have an issue with not getting the extra discount. So I guess I sometimes wish there was something for us non social media users, but I understand that it’s simply for promotion—getting the business’ name out there and I can only do so by word of mouth.

Thank you for the adorable outfits and great prices. I am glad you’re getting more outfits for boys (not that that affects me) and more outfits for women. I bought the Southern girls like sunshine and sweet tea tank top for myself and I love love love it. I would have to say that I hope y’all can start producing mommy & me matching outfits. I always see them on Pinterest and think how badly I want matching shirts with my sweet Caroline.

P Bell on June 16 2016 at 04:02PM

Love the holiday themed outfits!!!! Price is great for something my grand daughter will likely only wear a few times esp lesser holidays. Wish the ship times could come faster….. For example could have usedChristmas/ winter clothes much longer but only came in the week before:(…. Understand the cost by bulk but think there is a little wiggle room there as I ordered these items first days offered. Have had no quality problem… Only sizing esp on leggings. Hope you find more swimwear next year .

Amy Dunaway on June 16 2016 at 03:51PM

I’m so excited about all the changes you have made. And Congratulations to you all for being one of the top sellers on the internet for this type of product. That is wonderful. We have loved all the things we have purchased from you and are looking forward to the new things,especially the lil boy stuff lol! Keep up the great work!!

Kala on June 16 2016 at 03:41PM

I love Screaming Owl! I’ve been a long-time customer and will continue to be one because things like this make customers feel involved. I’ve never had any issues with my products and I order all of the time. Keep up the good work!

Sonia on June 16 2016 at 03:05PM

I absolutely love this website!! My daughter is fourteen months and shopping for her on this site is so much fun!!! I recommend Screaming Owl to everyone!! It’s very affordable. My only wish would be to add multiple items to my basket and pay all together instead of different transactions. Either way I will always shop here!! Thanks for all the adorable outfits and headbands! Everyone compliments the way I dress Adele all the time! ???

Tina on June 16 2016 at 03:04PM

I love that you’ve taken the time to explain your policies and why you do things the way you do. It’s very informative and helpful! Keep up the great work!

Judy on June 16 2016 at 02:57PM

I love the new changes but was so in hopes you would let us buy more than 1 item at a time!! I usually buy 2 of same for my granddaughters and find it a hassle to have to do the whole thing twice!! Thanks!!

Sara Staley on June 16 2016 at 02:56PM

Holly K. Speaks for me perfectly! The only real difference is that I have 2 boys and 2 girls and my oldest will soon be 9. I too have been dreading that she’ll soon be too big for the cutesy outfits. I’m so excited about these changes!

Sue Ayes on June 16 2016 at 02:36PM

Boy/Girl twin momma here! So glad to hear
of the coordinating outfits! Mine are 2.5 and a perfect age for this. The outfits you currently sell are so precious!!! Thank you for making it so affordable too. It is worth the wait for cute clothing at affordable pricing. Glad to hear your idea of staying home and having a business has become a success. What a great story. ?

Holly Kesley on June 16 2016 at 02:35PM

Fantastic update! Listen, I want you to know, from one mom to another, that I sincerely adore this website. My husband and I are probably what could be termed “upper middle class” (???), but we have somewhat differing priorities on what to spend our money on. While we could likely realistically afford to dress our daughter and two sons in Kelly’s Kids or Castles & Crowns, my husband would absolutely scream “No way!” and frankly, I would also balk at those prices for clothing that I know full well they will grow out of very quickly. This is what I tell people about the Owl: yes, the clothing is somewhat lower-quality as far as how it holds up. However, it’s not readily obvious unless you REALLY get down and inspect it (certainly no one is going to notice at a glance) and frankly, it’s a trade-off I am quite willing to make. I can buy my daughter seven or eight adorable, boutique-type outfits or dresses from the Owl for what I would pay for ONE outfit/dress from the higher-end competitors. At a ratio like that, who the crap CARES if the clothing is slightly lower-quality?! She looks adorable, we get all of the precious pictures of her looking like a little princess in a ton of different outfits, and I get the satisfaction of knowing that my kid looks every bit as precious as the other kids for a fraction of the price.

For the record, I have had absolutely zero problems with your website or customer service. I once made an order (or three) while on vacation in Orlando (it was in January, and I think I had ordered something for St. Patty’s Day), and I realized that somehow the address submitted to the site was the physical address of where I was in Orlando. I emailed customer service, explained the situation, and boom, problem solved. I got an email acknowledging my message, affirming the receipt of my ACTUAL address, and six weeks later, St. Patty’s Day outfit arrived in my mailbox.

I don’t care about the packaging, I don’t care about the wait time, I don’t care about not having a customer service number (Lord, in this day and age, who actually wants to talk to a live human?!). I care that I can outfit my sweet little ones in freaking adorable boutique-style outfits for dirt cheap.

Thank you for what you do, and dear God in heaven, don’t listen to anyone that dares to critique you. (I AM super excited that you’re adding tween sizes, btw, as my daughter is 8 and I realized she would soon be past your sizing options!)

Amanda Brandmire on June 16 2016 at 02:30PM

I am over the moon excited about more boys options! Thank you so much for listening to your customers and making changes as you grow your business! Here’s to many more years of great business for you!!!

Heather Bryan on June 16 2016 at 01:58PM

I have loved my experience with screaming owl. So excited about the new changes. Thanks for all you do for us.

Janice Smith on June 16 2016 at 01:42PM

Great News! My sister-in-law just asked about tween sizes. Now I can tell her YES. I copy a picture of what I order and keep it in a file on my computer, so I can know when I get status updates, what they are for. Love your store. I tell everyone about it. Glad that I can now get my grandson items. My granddaughter (who is 2) thinks every piece of clothing she has came from Grandma.

Janice

Paula on June 16 2016 at 01:37PM

Love love love the products ?? I buy for my granddaughter ? Love the quality and the styles ….so fun ….looking forward to the new
Paula

Tammy on June 16 2016 at 01:14PM

Soooo love your products and can completely understand and a appreciate the way you conduct your business. Thank you for being customer and dollar conscience. It’s fun to dress my granddaughters in your darling clothes and on a retired person’s income you make that possible. I will look forward to the line of boys’ clothing that is coming as I also have grandsons.

Thank you again!!!!

Angela on June 16 2016 at 01:10PM

I have toddler triplets – so I’m the most excited about the sibling sets! I usually don’t do matching outfits but I can’t wait to see what you have, especially for holidays!

Charlotte monroe on June 16 2016 at 12:47PM

Love shopping on this site ❤️So much that is not your everyday shopping stores my granddaughter is in a two and they fit perfect and good quality too ,can’t want to get my next outfit !!

Karen Barrier on June 16 2016 at 12:45PM

So excited about all of this! I love Screaming Owl! Can not wait to see what kind of boy clothes that are coming. I buy for my grand daughter and now I can see what you guys will have for my grand son! The shipping time is long but I understand, sometimes I forget what I ordered so it’s a surprise to all us (sometimes..hahaha)! Thank you so much for everything you have to offer and all that you do to make things better for all of us! God bless you and your business!!
Sincerely, Karen

Sherry Mann on June 16 2016 at 12:45PM

Hello,
I love your products and I hope to order more items. My big concern that has stopped me from ordering more is I never get the price as promised. I love the item. I love the value and then I have to pay a higher price! I am frustrated because I can not contact anyone when this happens so I miss out on items that I want to purchase!

Please let me know how I can contact someone to help me. I even share it on FB and it still doesn’t work. I have not placed an order recently due to this problem. Thank you!

Blessings,
Sherry Mann

Michelle on June 16 2016 at 12:42PM

LOVE LOVE LOVE all the new changes!!! I’ve purchased multiple items but have held off on many others, I really wanted, because of sizing issues, questionable quality concerns and not being able to exchange …. and you have addressed all of these …. THANK YOU!!!!

Looking forward to what the future holds!!!

Blessings!

Colleen on June 16 2016 at 12:40PM

This is my first time purchasing. I bought April’s deal of the month and just received them yesterday. So cute! As I put one on her however, it’s poorly made and the crotch has already torn out due to lack of seam allowance. I love the first outfit but am highly dissapointed in the hand made ones.

Roni Brackett on June 16 2016 at 12:19PM

Hi, I have purchased many items in the past for my Granddaughter and look forward to continuing to do so…she is always excited to see what unique item Grammy has ordered for her.
Thank you for all you do…
Roni

Amanda on June 16 2016 at 12:17PM

LOVE this!!! Thank you so much!

Linda on June 16 2016 at 12:17PM

Awesome changes!! How exciting!

As for suggestions, I agree with Amanda B…a pic of our item or a description would be nice when we do recieve those order status updates that are sometimes 5-6 weeks later than when we placed the order. I forget!

Kathy Van Clapdurp on June 16 2016 at 12:16PM

I love your clothes! I to buy for my granddaughter all the time. There’s not many outfits I haven’t ordered.I am glad to see that you will be offering boys clothes and larger sizes. My grandson is always saying why does my sister always get boxes in the mail. My granddaughter wants to wear everything immediately.

Christine Ball on June 16 2016 at 12:08PM

Congratulations on brewing your business. For so many people this doesn’t happen. Just shows when you pick the right stuff, customers will come.

Sarah Reif on June 16 2016 at 12:04PM

I to am hooked on Screaming Owl! I have purchased quite a few items this spring for my granddaughter. Right now she can wear the 12 – 18 month size. Will there be more accurate sizing in the future? This seems like a huge jump depending on the weight of the child.

thanks,

Heather on June 16 2016 at 11:55AM

Awesome update! I love your website and your clothes! I think the new sizes will be great, as sometimes I order a year or two or three in advance for my daughter. I have an “XL” thanksgiving dress in the closet and I have no idea what size that actually is! Guess I’ll try it on this year to see if it fits! I also wanted to note that I agree with an earlier comment posted…a picture of what I ordered would be helpful, even if it is just in the email we get when our order ships. I just received a stars and stripes dress in the mail and it took me quite a while to figure out how it was supposed to go on my daughter! Keep up the great work and low prices!

beth paul on June 16 2016 at 11:54AM

Good changes Shipment time was too long.
Great job on your info well written.

Jackie Stroud on June 16 2016 at 11:41AM

I love your clothes! My youngest granddaughter receives comments all the time on how cute her clothes are. I have ordered her many items. Glad to hear you are going to add tween and women sizes. My other granddaughter gets jealous because I haven’t been able to order her clothes from you because she is too big for the sizes. I did get them matching anchor tanks since she was able to wear a women’s small. We added white shorts and they both looked so cute. My daughter has had no problems with washing the items and they always look so nice. Thanks for all your efforts to bring us these adorable clothes at such a good price!! Look forward to ordering more in the future.

Amanda Berglund on June 16 2016 at 11:32AM

Hello! Great updates!! I order from you often and love everything. I do have one suggestion. Since the shipping times do take some time, I often forget what the things look like. I think it would be great to have a picture of the item when I get the status update emails.

Just an idea.

Thanks for such great products!! My little girl Jersey looks adorable in them!

-Amanda

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HELLO!
Welcome to Screaming Owl, a family
owned and operated business
dedicated to bringing hot deals to
moms and the little people they love.
Each week, we offer “mom” and “child”
products at discounts you’re unlikely
to find anywhere else. Our goal is to
give ladies who may be on a tight
budget an opportunity to purchase
trendy and fashionable products at
prices that won’t break their bank!